What is Ycanth?
Table of Contents
Ycanth Description:
Ycanth (cantharidin 0.7%) is a topical solution administered by a healthcare provider every three weeks, as needed, to the skin for treating molluscum contagiosum in adults and children aged 2 and above.
Molluscum Contagiosum:
This viral skin disease is identified by raised, skin-toned-to-pink lesions called Mollusca, causing pain, inflammation, itching, and susceptibility to bacterial infection. The mechanism by which cantharidin treats molluscum contagiosum is not fully understood.
FDA Approval:
Ycanth received FDA approval on July 21, 2023.
Warnings:
Oral administration of Ycanth can lead to life-threatening or fatal toxicities. Avoid contact with the treated area to prevent ingestion or eye exposure. Children should be prevented from touching the area and subsequently putting their hands in their mouths. In case of eye contact, flush with water for at least 15 minutes. Serious skin reactions at the treatment site, such as vesiculation, pruritus, pain, discoloration, and erythema, can occur. Ycanth should not be applied near the eyes, mouth, or healthy skin. If severe local reactions arise, remove the product before completing the 24-hour treatment period. Ycanth remains flammable even after drying; caution against fire, flame, or smoking during treatment until the product is removed.
Before Using Ycanth:
Avoid applying Ycanth to individuals allergic to cantharidin or any inactive ingredients in the solution. Inform your doctor about previous molluscum bump treatment, other skin problems, pregnancy, plans for pregnancy, breastfeeding, or intention to breastfeed. Ycanth safety and effectiveness in children under 2 years are unknown.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
The impact of Ycanth on unborn babies is uncertain. If breastfeeding, your healthcare provider should avoid applying Ycanth where the baby could contact the solution. Consult your healthcare provider regarding breastfeeding while Ycanth is on your skin.
How is Ycanth Administered?
Ycanth is exclusively for topical use and should be applied by a healthcare provider to skin areas with molluscum bumps. It should not be used in the mouth, nose, genital areas, or eyes. Multiple treatments may be necessary, applied every three weeks as needed. On the treatment day, refrain from applying topical steroids, creams, lotions, or sunscreen to the affected areas.
Preparation for Ycanth Treatment:
On the treatment day, avoid applying topical steroids, creams, lotions, or sunscreen to molluscum bump areas. A trained healthcare provider will apply Ycanth as a single application, wearing gloves and protective equipment. After application, allow it to dry completely, avoid touching the treated areas for 24 hours, and prevent children from licking or biting the treated areas. Ycanth includes a bittering agent to deter young children from putting it in their mouths. The solution contains a violet-colored dye that may temporarily stain the treated skin areas.
After Ycanth Treatment:
Wash the treated skin area with soap and water 24 hours after treatment unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider. Avoid using abrasive materials during washing if severe reactions occur.
What to Avoid After Ycanth Treatment:
Avoid contact with treated areas, applying topical steroids, creams, lotions, or sunscreen to treated areas for 24 hours after treatment or until Ycanth is washed off. Refrain from covering the treated area with bandages, and avoid fire, flame, or smoking during treatment and until Ycanth is washed off due to its flammability.
Ycanth Side Effects:
Serious side effects include life-threatening complications if Ycanth enters the mouth or eyes. Kidney failure, stomach and intestine damage, blood clotting issues, seizures, and a specific type of paralysis are possible. If ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control or seek emergency medical attention. Severe eye injury can happen if Ycanth gets into the eyes, requiring immediate flushing and medical help. Common adverse reactions involve local skin responses like raised blisters, pain, itching, scabs, redness, skin lightening or darkening, dryness, and swelling. If severe reactions develop, wash off Ycanth and contact your healthcare provider.